Source: US FBI
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Moundsville, West Virginia man was convicted today by a federal jury of methamphetamine trafficking and a firearms violation.
Joseph William Alfred, also known as “Chris,” age 50, was found guilty of distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine, attempted possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a firearm, and failure to appear.
The evidence at trial established that a package containing more than two pounds of methamphetamine and postmarked for Alfred’s address was intercepted by the United States Postal Service. It had been mailed from an address in California. A subsequent search warrant executed at Alfred’s home resulted in the seizure of more controlled substances, a firearm, ammunition, cash, and drug paraphernalia. Alfred is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony drug conviction.
“I commend the law enforcement agencies and the prosecutors for their outstanding efforts in this case. There should be no doubt that, as part of Operation Take Back America, we will continue to aggressively stop the flow of drugs into our communities and our country. We will pursue the most serious charges and penalties for all those who test our resolve,” said Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard.
During the pretrial phase, Alfred was released on home confinement with electronic monitoring. Alfred cut off the monitoring device and failed to appear for his federal court hearing in April 2024.
Alfred faces 5 to 40 years in prison for the distribution charge, 10 years to life for the attempted possession charge, up to 15 years for the firearms charge, and up to 10 years for the failure to appear charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Clayton Reid and Carly Nogay prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. This case was investigated by the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the United States Postal Service; and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.
Operation Take Back America, is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
U.S. District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the trial.